FAQs About Suffering from an Eating Disorder
Have you been confused as to how to approach a loved one who you suspect has an eating disorder? Don't allow your confusion to make you back down on the situation, as he or she might need professional help if an eating disorder is present. The most important way to approach the situation is to speak to your loved one with a kind and loving voice, such as by bringing up the conversation in a subtle manner. You want to make your loved one feel beautiful while trying to convince him or her to speak to a professional about eating disorders. It is possible that your loved one needs in-patient eating disorder treatment if the condition has grown out of control.
What Defines an Eating Disorder?
An eating disorder is a condition in which someone develops abnormal eating habits due to an underlying psychological condition. For example, if someone is slender but feels overweight, he or she might start doing everything possible to avoid gaining weight. In such a case, anorexia nervosa or bulimia might develop with the risk of getting out of control. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that involves starvation due to the fear of gaining weight, but sometimes sufferers of the condition eat small amounts of food. Bulimia sufferers fear weight gain, but they will usually binge on food and then force themselves to vomit the calories out.
What Are Signs Someone Has an Eating Disorder?
A fast and noticeable drop in weight is one of the most common signs that someone has an eating disorder. For example, the suspected sufferer might drop a substantial amount of week within a couple of weeks due to starvation. Another sign is when someone does not eat around other people, such as grabbing a plate of food but going to a private space to consume the food. Rather than eating the food, he or she might toss it into the garbage to make it appear as though he or she does not have a disorder. The need to go to the restroom right after consuming food is another eating disorder symptom, perhaps the result of forced vomiting or taking laxatives.
Can an Eating Disorder Be Treated at Home?
Whether an eating disorder can be treated at home depends on the severity of the condition. For example, positive guidance from family members and friends might be sufficient for overcoming an eating disorder in some cases. However, it is still important to visit a professional for an official diagnosis and the appropriate treatment. A professional will know if your loved one needs in-patient care, such as forced feeding and other types of treatment.
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